I was born and raised on my family’s century farm in rural Johnson County between Morse and Oasis. I am the fourth generation of Hemingways to have lived and worked on that farm.

For five years, I managed Roy Carver’s cattle ranch in Belize, Central America, where I met my wife, Anita, who was working at the district’s veterinary clinic. Additionally, I spent time in Africa and in the former Soviet Union.

In 1997, I opened my own auto and truck repair business in Johnson County and it still is in operation today. I have worked with my hands my entire life, either in agriculture or in the skilled trades.

In 2015, I was elected to the Iowa City Community School Board. My accomplishments include getting the district to reduce chemical spraying in our school buildings and on our grounds. My board representation on the steering committee helped lead to the addition of agricultural and FFA curriculum to our school district for the first time ever.

I have consistently advocated for a more inclusive and fiscally responsible district. Being the chairman of the finance committee, I’ve been tasked with going through every check and receipt issued by the district every two weeks. Since my election to the board, I have held weekly gatherings at my shop to discuss issues facing the community.

I plan to bring the same level of fiscal responsibility and common-sense leadership to the Johnson County supervisor position.

Transparency and diversity of ideas are vital to successful decision-making by any group. We cannot have multimillion-dollar deals being made by five people who think alike.

Let’s get back to our priorities: Building roads and bridges, and strengthening our commitment to agriculture, clean water and air. We must be stewards of our land for ourselves and for future generations, and advocate for the ever-expanding need for mental health services in Johnson County.

We must commit to maintaining our present infrastructure before embarking on new ones. Our land use plan for the county necessitates a supervisor who has actually worked and lived on a farm and has a blue-collar background. I believe I am that person.

I ask for your consideration and your vote on or before Nov. 6.

• Phil Hemingway is a Republican candidate for Johnson County Supervisor

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